The term LIKE VOLCANIC DUST can be summarized as ASHEN, a five-letter word. ASHEN is an adjective that describes something that is gray or pale in color, often associated with death or destruction. It is commonly used to describe the color of volcanic ash, which is created when molten rock is ejected from a volcano during an eruption. Volcanic ash is made up of tiny particles of rock and glass, and is often likened to dust.